1. <chat, virtual reality> An image representing a user in a
multi-user virtual reality (or VR-like, in the case of Palace) space.

...instead of updating...

Dictionary.com wrote:

n 1: a new personification of a familiar idea; "the embodiment of hope"; "the incarnation of evil"; "the very avatar of cunning" [syn: embodiment, incarnation] 2: the manifestation of a Hindu deity (especially Vishnu) in human or superhuman or animal form;
"the Buddha is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu"